DURING the 102nd commemoration of the birth anniversary of the late Sergio “Serging” Osmeña on Tuesday, Dec. 4, Maria Victoria “Minnie” Osmeña said her father’s only regret in life was not being able to be with the Cebuanos before he passed away.

Serging succumbed to respiratory failure at the age of 67 in Los Angeles, California in 1984.

In her speech on behalf of the Osmeña family, Minnie recalled how her father loved the Cebuanos.

“Serging is for the Cebuanos. The Cebuanos love him because he loves the Cebuanos,” she said.

A mass was officiated by Rev. Fr. Erik T. Orio before the floral offering at Serging’s statue at the Plaza Independencia.

In attendance were several city officials, including Serging’s son Mayor Tomas Osmeña and his wife Councilor Margot Osmeña, Councilors Mary Ann Delos Santos and Eugenio Gabuya and department and office heads.

Background

The Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission organized the activity.

Serging first served as Cebu governor in 1951 before he became mayor for three terms in 1955, 1959 and 1963. He was elected in 1958 as a representative for the second district. He won a set in the Senate in 1965.

Serging ran for president in 1969 and lost to incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos.

He was married to Lourdes de la Rama with whom he had five children: Serge, Minnie, Esteban, Tomas and Georgia. (Wenilyn Sabala, USJ-R intern)